In an era where responsible travel shapes the future of hospitality, sustainable hotels are redefining luxury by prioritizing harmony with nature. Kinsterna Hotel, our restored Byzantine estate in Monemvasia, is a prime example—where history, responsible stewardship, and slow living come together to create a sanctuary of conscious hospitality.
More than just an eco-conscious retreat, Kinsterna is a self-sustaining ecosystem. Through innovative water conservation, organic farming, energy efficiency, and traditional craftsmanship, Kinsterna champions a return to nature and a commitment to sustainability without compromising on comfort.
What Makes Kinsterna One of Greece’s Leading Sustainable Hotels
A Self-Sustaining Estate: Water, Energy & Biodiversity
Kinsterna’s name derives from the historic Byzantine cistern at the heart of the estate – a symbol of the hotel’s deep respect for water as a precious resource. This philosophy is reflected in advanced water conservation initiatives, such as the collection and filtration of natural spring water from our own spring to irrigate our land: the vast gardens, olive groves, vineyards and pools. This sustainable approach reduces waste while supporting local biodiversity.
The hotel’s dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint extends to energy efficiency. Geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels, and biomass energy solutions ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable stay with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, Kinsterna preserves its natural surroundings through reforestation and by fostering a rich ecosystem of local flora and fauna.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy: Embracing Slow Food & Authentic Flavours
At Kinsterna, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience practical sustainability is through gastronomy – localness in its most authentic form. The estate follows a farm-to-table philosophy, where organic ingredients sourced from its own land shape Kinsterna’s culinary offerings. Guests can savour culinary feasts made of simple ingredients like homemade olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, and wines produced using traditional methods. Dining at Mouries, the all-day restaurant, is a refined experience that will take you back to your childhood, while Linos Tavern is the place for rustic meals that come from the heart.
Handmade Organic Products: A Celebration of Nature’s Gifts
Kinsterna extends its commitment to sustainability through a carefully curated selection of estate-made products, each reflecting the natural abundance of the land. Handmade marmalades and spoon sweets crafted from the estate’s own fruit trees, extra virgin olive oil and olives from our olive groves, organic honey from our beehives and an exclusive tetralogy of wines, including the renowned Monemvasia-Malvasia, invites guests to experience the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Even self-care at Kinsterna is rooted in nature, with organic soaps and antiseptics infused with locally sourced ingredients, as well as a signature range of wellness products available in the rooms and spa. These handcrafted products not only enhance the guest experience but also offer a lasting connection to Kinsterna’s philosophy; one that travellers can take home as a tangible memory of their stay.
Activities & Experiences: Bringing Guests Closer to the Local Way of Life
Beyond dining and products, Kinsterna invites guests to reconnect with the land through immersive activities, many of which are prime examples of luxury agro-tourism in Greece. Visitors can participate seasonal activities such as the olive harvest, grape-harvesting and stomping for winemaking, and Tsipouro distillation plus many others that are available year-round – like honey extraction and tasting, workshops for handmaking soap and candles and the art of traditional bread-baking in a wood-fired oven, among others.
Almost all of the experiences at Kinsterna Hotel are an ode to time-honored techniques that celebrate a slower, more thoughtful way of life.
Eco-Conscious Hospitality: A Model for Sustainable Hotels in Greece
Kinsterna’s commitment to sustainable hospitality goes even further than being in harmony with its natural surroundings. The hotel has meticulously restored its historic structures using traditional materials and techniques, ensuring that local heritage of the original structure is preserved while reducing environmental impact. The use of stone, wood, and natural pigments reflects an architectural philosophy that values longevity and authenticity.
By integrating eco-conscious practices into every aspect of the guest experience—from operations to regenerative farming and cultural preservation—Kinsterna sets a benchmark for sustainable hotels in Greece. Here, luxury is not about excess but about balance, mindfulness, and a deep connection to nature, with a sense of respect and nostalgia for the past.
For travellers seeking a refined escape where history and sustainability go hand in hand, Kinsterna extends an invitation to experience Greece in its purest form.
